Finding Age Appropriate Books for Gifted Readers

One of the biggest concerns I hear from parents of gifted
children is where to find age-appropriate reading materials for their children.
More often than not, one of the early signs of giftedness is being an advanced
reader; like years and years advanced for their age. This poses a significant
problem for parents because very young children ‘can’ read books which are
simply too mature for them.

I speak from the voice of experience. If my parents had paid
attention to what I was reading in elementary school, they would have been
appalled. Fortunately or not for me, they rarely took the time to check out the
books on my nightstand. I developed a view of the world which was … shall we
say – not shared by my age-mates; or even my teachers, for that matter.

When my own kids started reading, I did pay attention (to
their chagrin). However, many people would say I was pretty liberal in what
they were allowed to read. It was a constant struggle to find appropriate books
at their reading level.

Many factors play a role in the search for reading materials
for advanced readers. Asynchronous development can mean that a very young child
will comprehend reading material well beyond what is considered
appropriate for their age. A gifted child’s interests and sensitivities may
influence books they choose to read. Books deemed age-appropriate for most
children will lack the depth these children crave.

Reading patterns found in gifted readers can differ from
those of typical readers. Often self-taught, these kids start reading
earlier than their age peers and demonstrate deeper comprehension of what they
read. It is important, however, to respect the developmental process and allow
a child to enjoy reading at various levels. Parents should resist the urge to
‘push’ a child to read advanced literature simply because they excel in other
academic areas; but, at the same time, be aware of the need to provide
appropriate materials when ready.

Reading to children is an important role to be played by
parents even after children are reading well on their own. Reading aloud
is essential for pronunciation of words and sharing more precise or alternate
definitions than those gleaned from context. The importance of emotional
bonding that occurs when adults read to children cannot be over-stated. I will
always cherish the time spent reading to my children.

Several months ago, I was made aware of a publisher,
Tumblehome Learning, who offered books for advanced readers. I was intrigued by a particular title … TheWalking Fish. As a huge fan of Neil Shubin’s Your Inner Fish (Free full version pdf) which traces the
discovery Tiktaalik – the first known fish to walk on land –I knew I wanted to read
this book. When notified of its impending release, I immediately accepted the
opportunity to review a copy from the publisher.

I was not disappointed! Where had this publisher been when
my children were young? Even as an adult, I found The Walking Fish engaging,
informative and a source of valuable life lessons. It also serves as an
excellent introduction for younger readers into the realm of STEM related
subjects.

After reviewing the book on Amazon, the publisher asked if I
would be interested in any of the books in their Galactic Academy of Science series.
This series, very similar to The Magic Treehouse Books, is about characters
that experience time travel to solve mysteries. The depth of knowledge conveyed in the books I’ve read and the
quality of titles available from Tumblehome Press allows me to highly recommend* them as a choice publisher for parents of advanced readers.

Parenting gifted kids can be a daunting task, but the right
tools can make any job much easier. Helping you find these tools plays a major
role in why Gifted Parenting Support exists. If you have found other sources of
great materials for advanced readers, please comment below.

*It’s important to note that there are no affiliate ads in this post and I have received no compensation for this endorsement from the publisher. I simply believe they offer high quality products to be considered by parents and teachers of gifted children.Photo courtesy of Pixabay. CC0 Public Domain

Thank you so much for these great links as well as your recommendation of The Walking Fish. I recently realized that being gifted means my child doesn't think like many other children, so I feel like a whole new world just opened up to me. I feel like I finally understand my child. Thanks again for this wealth of information!!

We have adopted our granddaughter. We have had her pretty much since birth. She has always been very asvanced talking in full sentences at 18 mos. Reading at three. In first grade now and she place ((% on the STAR reading test for the nation reads at a 3.4-5.3 level I have had trouble with her teacher SHe was so bored with the reading in class. Ginally got her to get print outs for her to read at an appropriate level, but she makes her sit in the hall. The other students get to read to the teacher and in groups but she said she doesn't have time to let her read to her. So of the stuff she reads she doesn't understand she can read words but doesn't know what they mean. I have tries and tried I asked her to send it home so I could read with her. She did for about 2 wks then said it wasn't fair to the other kids. I feel like she is being exclude and punished for being advanced. I am meeting with the assistant principal today , by advice of her last yr aid. I alos asked at the beginning of the year about gifted testing I was told it was a lot of paper work and wouldn't be till after holidays. She never submitted her so I requested a parent referral. This is all new for me, it is difficult and hard on her too. A lot of kids are jealous. I try to tell her not to say anything about how good she reads, just for her sake. But she is proud of herself and so am I. Any suggestions? I thought about home school, but she is a such a social creature I had to do that. Plus I don't feel I am qualified to teach HerCheryl

I am a gifted education advocate and work with gifted communities worldwide. I hold a B.A. degree in Sociology.
On Twitter, I am the moderator of Global #gtchat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented held Fridays at 7PM EDT. An average of 1,200 tweets reaching 1.5 to 2 million Twitter accounts are devoted to this global discussion every week. I have expanded the reach of #gtchat to include a Facebook Page and Blog.
Gifted Parenting Support is read in over 100 countries and its readership includes parents, educators, and academics.
I have presented at the 2012 and 2013 TAGT Annual Conferences; 2012 TAGT Parents’ Conference; 2013 PAGE Conference; a Symposium on Gifted Parenting at the 2013 WCGTC Conference; and will present at the 2014 TAGT Annual Conference. I am a member of TAGT, PAGE, NAGC, and WCGTC. In 2013, I was named to NAGC’s Parent Editorial and Content Advisory Board.
Currently, I am seeking opportunities to present at conferences, moderate your Twitter chat or to be your online community manager. I may be reached at ljconrad@yahoo.com